Frequently Asked Questions
Joining GFD
For over 60 years, GFD has been a trusted provider of not-for-profit preneed sales to funeral establishments and individuals in Canada. Our organization was founded in 1961 by a passionate group of bereavement service professionals with a commitment to serving the bereavement sector and the public.
Today, GFD is a vibrant and dynamic Members-based organization that supports bereavement professionals across the country. We offer a wide range of services to our Members, including monitoring and investing bereavement funds, exceptional Member support, and assistance in helping the public pre-plan their last wishes. Below is a list of just some of the benefits that GFD provides to its Members:
Benefits:
Increased Competitiveness – GFD offers a range of carefully selected financial products that are customized to meet the specific needs of our Members. This ensures that our Members can offer their clients the best funding options that align with their investment habits, finances, and lifestyles, giving them a competitive edge over others in the industry.
Business Growth with Training – GFD offers our Members free training that equips them with the skills to effectively reach and communicate with potential clients and grow market share. Our comprehensive training program covers product knowledge, presentation delivery, and seminar management and has a proven track record of success, as evidenced by documented case studies of Member establishments.
Savings in Terms of Marketing Costs – GFD offers its Members a range of customizable marketing materials that can be ordered at cost to provide new and potential clients with informative and compelling content. By providing these materials, Members can avoid the expense of hiring a marketing company or an in-house marketing professional to create unique and effective marketing collateral.
Enhanced Reputation – Over 60 years ago, GFD was created by the bereavement sector to serve the bereavement sector. Since then, we have been providing our Members with the products and services needed to deliver professional and well-rounded service to their clients. Let us help you establish a strong reputation for service and respect within your community.
Visibility – Our team is here to support you in organizing and hosting information sessions, group presentations, and conducting marketing campaigns to increase visibility for your establishment in the community.
Up-to-date Reporting – Our online tools grant Members access to up-to-date and historical reports, enabling them to report on and evaluate their past and current performance with precision.
EFT – GFD’s Electronic Funds Transfer makes deposits quick, efficient, and hassle-free.
Easy-to-use Online Tools – Our Members have access to our NetSuite system anytime through a secure, gated portal. This portal allows Members to easily submit and track their applications and claims, as well as view and download reports.
If you want to join GFD, send us an email. As soon as we receive your information, our business development team will contact you to provide you with all the necessary information and resources.
Just a desire to take your business to the next level. Then, we’ll assist you with completing some basic paperwork so you can get started. And if you need help transferring funds from other financial institutions to GFD, we’re happy to assist with that as well.
As an organization dedicated to serving our Members, GFD has been quietly but consistently building a legacy of service to the bereavement sector for over 60 years. We prioritize the best interests of our Members in every business decision we make and work closely with provincial regulators to ensure compliance. Our mission is to provide bereavement professionals with top-quality products and support, enabling them to deliver compassionate and meaningful care to Canadian families.
GFD offers a range of products to support the bereavement sector, including Trust, Insurance, and Travel Assistance Plans, as well as Care & Maintenance programs for Cemeteries. To learn more about these products, please contact us by email or by phone at 1-800-268-2466.
With GFD, there are no penalties for cancellations or early withdrawals of Trust accounts for bereavement establishments and their clients. Our insurance products also offer competitive terms for our Members and their clients in the event of an early cancellation or other administrative change.
Funds Management
We offer a variety of options including Trust, Insurance, and Travel Assistance Plans, as well as Care & Maintenance programs for Cemeteries. If you would like more information about any of our products, please email or call us at 1-800-268-2466.
With GFD, there are no penalties for cancellations or early withdrawals of Trust accounts for bereavement establishments and their clients. Our insurance products also offer competitive terms for our Members and their clients in the event of an early cancellation or other administrative change.
All funds deposited with GFD are placed with an approved financial institution and invested only in Guaranteed Investment Certificates (GICs) as per provincial regulations. Therefore, they are protected by federal insurance through CDIC if deposited in a bank, or provincial insurance through DIRF in Ontario if deposited with a credit union, or through NSCUDIC if deposited with a credit union in Nova Scotia. GFD provides a growth rate on the prepaid deposit that is comparable to current market rates. Please note that we reserve the right to adjust the rate, and if our Board of Directors decides to change the growth rate, all depositors will be advised at in advance.
After over 60 years of successful operation, GFD has never had a default. Your trust deposit principal is fully protected by regulated depositories such as banks or credit unions, which in turn are protected by government insurance.
By funding a pre-paid contract with an insurance policy, you can name a beneficiary who will receive any excess funds. These policies are guaranteed by Assuris, an insurance industry-supported agency, providing you with additional financial security.
Training
Members have access to the following types of training through our Preneed U training site:
Product Training – Receive training on both the features of our products and how to effectively convey their benefits to potential clients.
Aftercare Training – Designed to guide families through the initial steps of organizing and administering estate matters.
Seminar Coaching – Focused on training Members in effective information session hosting.
GFD’s training is offered through a variety of methods, including online training, in-person and virtual sessions, and phone-based instruction. We offer self-guided training that is available 24/7, and we also offer personalized training provided by our team of experts.
Marketing Support
We provide our Members with various marketing support options that can be customized to meet their specific needs. These options include pre-planning brochures, product brochures, banners, surveys, advertisement templates, flyers, direct mail pieces, postcards, seminar invitations, press release writing, community relations, and media training.
Hosting information sessions can be a valuable tool when educating families about the benefits of pre-planning, and GFD has helped many Member establishments organize successful seminars. We help Members organize information sessions by designing seminar invites, assisting in calculating seminar cost and coaching them on public speaking.
Campaigns are tailored to fit each Member’s budget, and GFD only charges for the cost of printing brochures and materials. Members can also set a budget for seminars, which GFD will work to accommodate.
GFD Service Standards
To submit new business, Members can use our easy-to-use online application forms. As the applications are processed, you can monitor their status and download the corresponding certificates to provide to your clients.
Members submit their trust claims online and can expect to receive payment via EFT within one business day. For insurance claims, Members can easily complete a claim form and submit it along with a copy of the proof of death.
Trust cancellations or transfers are straightforward processes that can be submitted online. Cancellation or transfer of an insurance policy requires supporting documentation from both the client and the Member establishment.
GFD’s Member Care team is available to handle inquiries via live-answer phone and email support during regular business hours from 8:30am to 5:00pm Eastern Time, Monday through Friday.